Co-habiting and the importance of Wills

Lots of Weddings have been called off and postponed due to the pandemic but what happens if the unthinkable occurs and one of you passes away without making a Will?

Unlike married couples, co-habitees have no automatic right to inherit from each other. Many are under the illusion that because they live together, are engaged, have been together a long time etc. that everything will pass to their Partner – WRONG!

A co-habitees sole assets will be governed by the Rules of Intestacy and unfortunately this does not include unmarried Partners. The surviving Partner can then sometimes find themselves frozen out of funeral arrangements, without a home and they may then, become embroiled in a Court battle with family members over their entitlement.

Therefore, the most straightforward way to ensure your Partner receives a share of your assets and has a right to be involved in your estate is to prepare a Will.

A Will details how your assets are to be distributed, who will be in charge of your estate and any wishes for your property you may have. Death is not a topic that most people like to talk about but is imperative that you have these discussions with your Partner to consider the ‘what ifs’ and thereafter instruct a solicitor to assist you in the preparation of your Wills.

Should you have any enquiries in reference to the same then, please contact our Private Client Solicitor, Stephanie Napier on 024 76231000 or send her an email at stephanie@askewslegal.co